Pokémon TCG: Dialga or Palkia Pack First?

The *Pokémon TCG Pocket* Space-Time Smackdown booster packs have arrived, bringing a wave of new cards to shake up the meta. Unlike the smaller Mythical Island release, players face a choice: Dialga packs or Palkia packs. This guide helps you navigate this decision.

Identifying Dialga vs. Palkia Pack Contents

The Space-Time Smackdown set offers two distinct booster packs, easily identified by the featured Legendary Pokémon on the pack art—Dialga or Palkia. Similar to the Genetic Apex release, card contents vary slightly between the two. To view the specific cards and their pull rates for each pack, simply hover over the pack in Pokémon TCG Pocket and select "Offering Rates." This will display a complete list of included cards and their probabilities.

With 207 cards in the set, and some being pack-exclusive, prioritizing your pack choice based on desired cards is key.

Dialga or Palkia: Which Pack Should You Choose?

The optimal pack choice depends on your goals. Targeting specific Pokémon? Prioritize the pack containing your desired card. Focusing on meta-game dominance? Consider the cards' competitive viability in Pokémon TCG Pocket battles.

Dialga Pack Highlights

Dialga packs feature several powerful EX cards, including Dialga EX, Yanmega EX, Gallade EX, and Darkrai EX. Players building strategies around these cards should prioritize Dialga packs. Additionally, exclusive illustration rares and Trainer cards, such as Dawn and Volkner, are only found within Dialga packs. Bidoof is another Dialga pack exclusive.

Palkia Pack Highlights

Naturally, Palkia EX is exclusive to Palkia packs. While offering less EX power overall compared to Dialga, this pack includes Lickilicky EX, Weavile EX, and Mismagius EX, potentially forming the basis of unique deck strategies. Exclusive Supporter cards Mars and Cynthia are also found only in Palkia packs.

Final Recommendation

Dialga packs appear to offer a stronger competitive advantage due to the high-power EX cards. However, Palkia packs provide unique Supporter cards and EX options for alternative deck building.

Ultimately, focus on the pack containing your most desired cards first. Save your Pack Hourglasses and Pack Points to complete your collection afterwards.

Pokémon TCG Pocket is available now on mobile devices.